05-26-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 26, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. 13. SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE NO. 147 (continued) Walsh stated he is being asked to give the police department more police powers to criminalize people and that he is not comfortable doing that without more public input. Walsh noted 50 to 75 years ago a lot of people couldn't vote, but that did not mean it was right. Walsh indicated he would like to see what the unintended potential consequences are before voting on it. Printup stated his concern is the broader aspect of where this will end. Printup stated people tend to be cautious about who is allowed into their home. Printup questioned whether this ordinance would allow easier access by the police into someone's home. Printup noted in 2014 there were ten citations issued for underage drinking. Printup stated in his view this ordinance would make it easier to cite people and that the City does not need to go there. Farniok stated there were two incidences in the City where this ordinance would have been useful and one related to a sexual assault of a person under the age of 18. Farniok noted the police department will not be targeting people with this ordinance but that it is another tool they can use once they are on the scene. Loftus noted this matter was brought before the City Council at the March 23 work session and that there was an opportunity to discuss this matter at that time. Loftus stated the item was also published as part of the Council agenda for this evening. Walsh stated he was out of town and not able to attend that meeting. McMillan stated she does not have a problem tabling this item. McMillan asked if Council Member Walsh has some ideas about how to get this out to the public. McMillan stated the draft ordinance could be placed on the City's website. McMillan stated part of the concern comes from parents who allow their children to go to someone else's house but they are not aware their children will be exposed to alcohol. McMillan stated other things can also happen at these types of parties and that people need to know that they will be held responsible. Walsh stated he understands all those concerns, but that he has an issue with giving the police department more power without public input. McMillan stated she is fine with tabling this and perhaps holding a public hearing on it. Farniok noted a copy of the draft ordinance was given to the local school superintendents in an effort to get the word out. Farniok stated the police department does not currently issue a lot of underage tickets but that this is another tool they can use once they arrive at the scene due to a complaint. Walsh asked if he has any idea why the state has not addressed it. Farniok stated it was discussed at the Hennepin Police Chiefs meeting, but that it is to the point where the state would prefer the cities deal with it in some manner. Walsh stated it is a hodgepodge of cities, with one city passing it and another city not passing it. Walsh stated that makes it difficult for the residents to follow. McMillan noted some states legalize marijuana and some states have not Page 19 of 22